Search Hotels by Mercer Collection in West Wight from £78

The Isle of Wight is well known for its diversity of attractions, ranging from fun-packed adventure parks to tranquil spots of breath-taking natural beauty. While the east of the island is home to most of the famous tourist towns, the west offers the most memorable landscapes and beaches. What's more, West Wight also boasts some of the best hotels on the Isle of Wight.

The West's Idyllic Beaches

One of the foremost attractions to the Isle of Wight is its stunning beaches, which rival any in the United Kingdom. From rugged and rocky coves to idyllic sandy beaches, there's something for everyone on the island.

Freshwater Bay is one of the west's most popular beaches. At low tide, the bay reveals a vast expanse of sand, as well as some rock pools, perfect for kids to explore. Local guides also offer tours of the smugglers' caves at low tide. Freshwater Bay House offers convenient accommodation for the beach.

On the northern side of the island, Alum Bay offers a unique beach experience. Visitors take a cable car down the steep cliff and on arrival below are met with beautiful multi-coloured sands, and a view back across to the mainland.

The Iconic Needles and Tennyson Down

Perhaps the most famous natural site on the island is the Needles, which jut out from the island's western tip. To one side of the Needles lies Tennyson Down, a grassy headland that provides sensational views out in all directions. Here, the poet Lord Tennyson once proclaimed that the fresh sea air was worth 'sixpence a pint'!

Hotels and B&Bs in West Wight

As it's such a popular spot with tourists, there's no shortage of hotels to choose from in the west of the island. Keen walkers looking to explore the charms of Tennyson Down and the cliffs around Freshwater Bay can turn to the homely and traditional Highdown Inn at Totland.

Visitors in search of something both traditional and convenient can try the Bugle Coaching Inn in Yarmouth. The sleepy village is an ideal hub from which to explore the island, as well as offering a regular ferry service to Lymington and Keyhaven on the mainland.